BlackBerry PlayBook To Feature Video Calling App

Research in Motion’s PlayBook tablet will feature a FaceTime-like video-calling app when it rolls out around the end of March, reports have revealed.

According to David Heit, RIM’s vice president of enterprise strategy, the PlayBook will include a peer-to-peer video-calling system, which is being developed by the company itself. Functioning like the Apple’s FaceTime, the feature is expected to be released “very soon,” Heit told CIO.

RIM’s 7-inch tablet will only have Wi-Fi connectivity during its initial launch, although the 4G + Wi-Fi model is expected  to follow soon. The tablet will come with a 3-megapixel high-definition camera embedded in the front and a 5-megapixel high-definition camera at the back. It will also have a 1GHz dual-core processor with multi-tasking capabilities and support Adobe Flash.

BlackBerry Playbook is not an iPad Killer

Despite its impressive features, industry commentators do not view RIM’s BlackBerry Playbook as an iPad killer, no matter how much the company hoped it would be.

“RIM does have a strong brand and cool appeal, which will benefit the company in the tablet space, but they will have to do something impressive in terms of managed services and content to win share away from iPad and Android tablets,” said IMS Research analyst Anna Hunt.

Moreover, the Playbook’s distribution will initially be limited, as carriers will shy away from a device devoid of 3G connectivity.

According to Jeffrey Fidacaro, financial analyst from Susquehanna Research, the tablet’s support of Bluetooth and ability to tether to a BlackBerry smartphone “provides a low incentive for the carriers to push this device.”

iPad 2 quickly out of stock

Meanwhile, Apple’s iPad 2 enjoyed huge sales at its launch last Friday. According to research firm Piper Jaffray, around 500,000 units were reportedly sold before retailers completely ran out of the product over the weekend.

The iPad 2 will arrive in the UK on 25 March 2011. 3UK has confirmed it will be selling the tablet alongside Orange and T-Mobile, while offering competitive data bundles specifically designed for Apple’s latest gadget.

However, the actual pricing details for the iPad 2 remain unknown. “We haven’t released any information on our tariffs as yet,” a 3 spokesperson told eWEEK Europe UK.

The tablet device is powered by a faster processor and features a slimmer and lighter body than Apple’s first-generation tablet. Front and rear cameras are also provided for taking pictures and video calling.